Golf swing alignment system

ABSTRACT

A golf swing alignment system having a base rod and a centering rod that extends primarily perpendicular from the base rod, to allow a golfer to center themselves with the ball and the target. Blocks of different shapes and sizes allow the rods to connect. Additional rods are provided in some embodiments to be used for other alignment purposes, for example: a support rod and a backswing rod to assess backswing; a support rod and a follow-through rod to assess follow-through; a support rod and an inside/outside rod to assess inside-out or outside-in swing; two support rods and two hip sway rods to assess hip sway during a swing.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to golf swing alignment systems.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

From the recreational player to the professional, golfers continuously work to improve or maintain their swing. The smallest adjustment can throw off a consistently good swing, or be all the difference in perfecting a flawed swing. A successful golf swing involves the perfect combination of a number of factors: body angles, balance, strength, speed, joint movement, etc.

Given that golfers often invest a great deal of money and time in search of a perfect swing, many coaching techniques and devices have been created. Some devices are meant to correct specific alignment issues, such as target alignment or center alignment only. Sometimes one or two rods are set on the ground parallel to each other to help the golfer line his or her body up properly, but these rods are not anchored and can easily move. These rods result in a great deal of human error, since they could be placed incorrectly so that they are not parallel or not lined up correctly. Many of these rods are made with plastic, which can break very easily if accidently struck by a golf club. Also, rods that are made with plastic pipes can be very heavy and not very portable. Plastic rods can also lose their shape if left in the sun for a short time, and become very brittle.

Some devices do not work for all golfer sizes or experience levels. Additionally, some devices are not easily adjusted to different golfers and their requirements. Some devices are difficult or time-consuming to set up.

The approaches described in this section could be pursued, but are not necessarily approaches that have been previously conceived or pursued. Therefore, unless otherwise indicated herein, the approaches described in this section are not prior art to the claims in this application and are not admitted to be prior art by inclusion in this section.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The disclosed subject matter relates to a golf swing alignment system.

A first aspect of the disclosed subject matter provides a base rod having a centering rod that extends primarily perpendicular from the base rod, to allow a golfer to center themselves with the ball and the target. Blocks of different shapes and sizes allow the rods to connect. Additional rods are provided to be used for other alignment purposes.

In some embodiments, a support rod and a backswing rod allow a golfer to assess his or her backswing.

In some embodiments, a support rod and a follow-through rod allow a golfer to assess his or her follow-through.

In some embodiments, a support rod and an inside/outside rod allow a golfer to assess his or her inside-out or outside-in swing.

In some embodiments, two support rods and two hip sway rods allow a golfer to assess his or her hip sway during a swing.

These and other aspects of the disclosed subject matter, as well as additional novel features, will be apparent from the description provided herein. The intent of this summary is not to be a comprehensive description of the subject matter, but rather to provide a short overview of some of the subject matter's functionality. Other systems, methods, features and advantages here provided will become apparent to one with skill in the art upon examination of the following FIGURES and detailed description. It is intended that all such additional systems, methods, features and advantages that are included within this description, be within the scope of any claims filed later.

BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS

The novel features believed characteristic of the disclosed subject matter will be set forth in any claims that are filed later. The disclosed subject matter itself, however, as well as a preferred mode of use, further objectives, and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description of an illustrative embodiment when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 depicts an embodiment of the golf alignment system.

FIG. 2 depicts an embodiment of the golf alignment system.

FIG. 3 depicts a side view of a basic block used in some embodiments of the disclosed subject matter.

FIG. 4 depicts a side view of an angle block used in some embodiments of the disclosed subject matter.

FIG. 5 depicts a plan view of an angle block used in some embodiments of the disclosed subject matter.

FIG. 6 depicts a side view of a basic block used in some embodiments of the disclosed subject matter.

FIG. 7 depicts a plan view of a basic block used in some embodiments of the disclosed subject matter.

FIG. 8 depicts examples of rods used in some embodiments of the disclosed subject matter, and an end view of a rod.

FIG. 9A depicts an embodiment of the disclosed subject matter arranged for center alignment.

FIG. 9B depicts an embodiment of the disclosed subject matter arranged for center alignment with back swing alignment.

FIG. 9C depicts an embodiment of the disclosed subject matter arranged for center alignment, back swing alignment, and follow-through alignment.

FIG. 9D depicts an embodiment of the disclosed subject matter arranged to identify hip sway.

FIG. 9E depicts an embodiment of the disclosed subject matter arranged for center alignment, back swing alignment, follow-through alignment, and to identify inside-out swings.

FIG. 9F depicts an embodiment of the disclosed subject matter arranged for center alignment, back swing alignment, follow-through alignment, and to identify outside-in swings.

In the FIGURES, like elements should be understood to represent like elements, even though reference labels are omitted on some instances of a repeated element, for simplicity.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

Reference now should be made to the drawings, in which the same reference numbers are used throughout the different figures to designate the same components. FIG. 1 depicts a perspective view of one embodiment of a golf alignment system 100, generally comprising a number of rods that can be adjustably connected via a number of blocks to achieve a number of goals related to assessing and improving or maintaining a golf swing.

In the embodiment of FIG. 1, a base rod 102 is connected substantially perpendicular to a centering rod 114 via a basic block 124, such that the axis of the centering rod 114 bisects the base rod 102, and such that both the base rod 102 and the centering rod 114 are lying on the ground or other surface. This allows for a golfer to align him- or herself with the target and the center of his or her body, such that the base rod 102 would point toward the target, and the golfer would stand with one foot on either side of the centering rod 114, while facing the base rod 102, as can be seen in the arrangement shown in FIG. 9A. Other embodiments may include the centering rod 114 at different angles relative to the base rod 102 by using different connectors. In some embodiments the basic block 124 is capable of sliding along the base rod 102, such that the centering rod 114 may connect at a different point on the base rod 102.

The embodiment of FIG. 1 further shows a first support rod 108 slideably connected substantially perpendicular to the base rod 102 via a second basic block 122, such that the first support rod 108 is lying on the same plane as the base rod 102 and the centering rod 114. A backswing rod 104 is slideably connected to the first support rod 108 via an angle block 118, such that the backswing rod 104 extends upward, at an adjustable angle relative to the plane created by the base rod 102, the centering rod 114 and the first support rod 108. The addition of the first support rod 108 and the backswing rod 104 allows for backswing alignment as well as center alignment as can be seen in FIG. 9B.

The embodiment of FIG. 1 further shows a second support rod 116 slideably connected substantially perpendicular to the base rod 102 via a third basic block 126, such that the second support rod 116 is lying on the same plane as the base rod 102 and the centering rod 114. A follow-through rod 106 is slideably connected to the second support rod 116 via a second angle block 120, such that the follow-through rod 106 extends upward, at an adjustable angle relative to the plane created by the base rod 102, the centering rod 114, the first support rod 108, and the second support rod 116. The addition of the second support rod 116 and the follow-through rod 106 allows for follow-through alignment as well as backswing alignment and center alignment as can be seen in FIG. 9C.

The embodiment of FIG. 1 further shows a third support rod 112 slideably connected substantially perpendicular to the base rod 102 via a fourth basic block 128, such that the third support rod 112 is lying on the same plane as the base rod 102 and the centering rod 114. An inside/outside rod 110 is slideably connected to the third support rod 112 via a fifth basic block 130, such that the follow-through rod 106 extends upward, substantially perpendicular to the plane created by the base rod 102, the centering rod 114, the first support rod 108, the second support rod 116 and the third support rod 112. The addition of the third support rod 112 and the inside/outside rod 110 allows the golfer to assess whether he or she is moving the club too far out or in during the follow-through or release of his or her swing. To test an inside-out swing, the third support rod 112 is placed on the opposite side of the base rod 102 from the golfer, as can be seen in the arrangement shown in FIG. 9E. To test an outside-in swing, the third support rod 112 is placed on the same side of the base rod 102 as the golfer, as can be see in the arrangement shown in FIG. 9F.

Other embodiments may include the rods at different angles relative to each other by using a different type of connector in place of any of the blocks. In some embodiments the basic blocks 124, 122, 126, 128, 130 are capable of sliding along the base rod 102, such that the rods 114, 108, 116, 112 may connect at any location on the base rod 102, as can be seen in FIG. 2. Additionally shown in the embodiment of FIG. 2, the angle blocks, 118, 120 are capable of sliding along support rods 108, 116, 112. The angle blocks 118, 120 allow rods to be placed at a number of angles. The embodiment of FIG. 2 shows angle blocks 118, 120 with three designated angle choices, 140, 142, 144. For example, the angle block 118 could be preset to allow backswing rod 104 to be connected at a 50°, 60°, or 70° angle. Other embodiments may have more angle choices, and/or may use different angles. Still other embodiments may include an adjustable angle block, such that at least a portion of the angle block moves to allow for a different angle of any number of angles.

FIG. 3 shows an embodiment of the basic block 124, 122, 126, 128, 112 having two locking holes 160 on each side (top, left, right) of the basic block 124, 122, 126, 128, 112 such that a locking device 162 can be used to secure the basic block 124, 122, 126, 128, 112 in any given position. While different embodiments may use different types of locking devices 162, for example a pin or key, in some embodiments a golf tee is used as the locking device 162 for added convenience to the golfer. Since golfers tend to have extra golf tees, he or she won't have to be concerned about losing a locking device 162, and will always be able to secure their alignment system 100 to the ground. While the embodiment of FIG. 3 shows two locking holes 160 on each side (top, left, right) of the basic block 124, 122, 126, 128, 112, any number of locking holes 160 can be used on any number of the basic block 124, 122, 126, 128, 112 sides.

FIG. 4 shows a side view of one embodiment of the angle block 118, 120 having separate angle slots 148, 150, 152, 154 to allow for a rod, for example the backswing rod 104 or the follow-through rod 106 to be placed into a given angle slot 148, 150, 152, 154 such that the rod extends at a predetermined angle relative to the ground or other surface. For example, angle slots 148, 150, 152, and 154 could create angles of 50°, 60°, 70° and 90° respectively, although other embodiments may use different angles and any number of angle slots. Additionally, while the angle slots 148, 150, 152, 154 of the embodiment shown in FIG. 4 are on the top surface of and extend through the angle block, other embodiments may have angle slots on any side of the angle block. The embodiment shown in FIG. 4 further includes a first and second foot 190, 192, each having a locking hole 160. Other embodiments may involve a different number of locking holes 160 in different locations. Other embodiments may involve different shapes and designs of the angle block 118, 120, for example the base could be circular, there may be multiple feet, edges may be beveled, holes may be off-center etc. Additionally, some embodiments may have one or more slots that can be adjusted to a given angle, rather than fixed at a predetermined angle.

The angle blocks 118, 120 and the basic block 124, 122, 126, 128, 112 of some embodiments have holes that run through them allowing the blocks to slide along the rods and be positioned. In other embodiments, there may be obstructions that allow for a controlled portion of the rod to be inserted, such that the block fits on the end of a rod, etc. Additionally, some embodiments may include locking holes and locking devices to secure the block onto the rod in a given location. Any locking device could be used, for example, a pin, a golf tee, etc.

FIGS. 5, 6 and 7 show views of some embodiments of blocks. The blocks of some embodiments may be aluminum to allow for sturdiness and strength while still being lightweight. Other embodiments may use any number of materials for the blocks, for example plastic, fiberglass, wood, etc. The blocks and rods of some embodiments also include a marking system, to allow a trainer to mark the block at the desired angle for a particular golfer, or the rod at the desired location for a block, for a given golfer. In some embodiments this marking system simply involves the rods and/or blocks being coated in a material that allows for marking with a marker, chalk, etc., while in other embodiments, the marking is achieved using designated markers that can be wrapped or clasped around the pipe, can close certain angle slots, or can identify the chosen angle slot by being inserted or attached near it. Some embodiments also include clasps or other devices that attach to or wrap around the rods on either side of a block to secure the block in place.

In some embodiments, the alignment system 100 may include a set number of rods of set dimensions. FIG. 8 shows an embodiment including rods of three different sizes. In one embodiment, the alignment system 100 includes five small rods 200, two medium rods 202, and one large rod 204. For example, five two-foot rods, two three-foot rods, and one four-foot rod. In this example, the small rods 200 are generally used as the support rods, 108, 112, 114, 116 and the inside/outside swing rod 110; the medium rods 202 are generally used as the backswing rod 104 and the follow-through rod 106, and the large rod 204 is generally used as the base rod 102. However, different embodiments may use different sizes and number of rods to achieve different arrangements. For example, in some embodiments, a first and second hip sway rod 300, 302 may be used to with the first and second support rods 108, 116 to asses a golfer's hip sway during his or her swing, as can be seen in FIG. 9D. In some embodiments the first and second hip sway rods 300, 302 may be separate rods included in the alignment system 100, while in other embodiments, other rods, for example the inside/outside swing rod 110 and the third support rod 112 can be used as the hip sway rods 300, 302. This decision will be made based on the length of rod needed, for example the length of the hip sway rods 300, 302 may need to be shorter in order to avoid interfering with the golfer's swing, in which case a larger size rod may not be preferred. Different size rods could be used as necessary for different golfers as well.

The rods of some embodiments are fiberglass, while the rods of other embodiments may be made out of other materials, for example wood, metal, other composite materials, etc. Some embodiments may include a coating over the rods for any number of reasons, for example to preserve, prevent wear, prevent rust, allow for more portability, allow for easier assembly, etc. Some embodiments may include boots 210 on the rods for a number of reasons, for example to allow the rods to be hollow without letting dirt, bugs and animals get inside, to make potentially jagged or rough edges safer, to make the rods more sturdy, etc. In some embodiments, the boots 300 are about three inches long and are made of rubber, while other embodiments may include boots of other dimensions, for example shorter or longer, of any material, for example plastic, elastic, cloth, wood, metal, composite materials, etc.

The diameter of any given rod may differ, and may differ in different embodiments. For example, in some embodiments the outside diameter of the rod may be 5/16 of an inch, while other embodiments may include smaller or larger outside diameters, for example 3/16 of an inch or 1-inch. In some embodiments, some or all of the rods are extendable or otherwise adjustable in length. In some embodiments, the rods have elastic shock cords inside, allowing them to breakdown into pieces for easy storage and transport.

The alignment system 100 allows for a number of arrangements and can be adjusted and transformed to achieve any number of arrangements. Additionally, the arrangements can be reversed to allow use by left-handed golfers in addition to right-handed golfers. The alignment system 100 allows for flexibility in the size of the golfer as well.

While the disclosed subject matter has been described with respect to a limited number of embodiments, the specific features of one embodiment should not be attributed to other embodiments of the disclosed subject matter. No single embodiment is representative of all aspects of the disclosed subject matter. Moreover, variations and modifications therefrom exist. For example, the disclosed subject matter described herein may comprise other components. Various additives may also be used to further enhance one or more properties. In some embodiments, the disclosed subject matter is substantially free of any additive not specifically enumerated herein. Some embodiments of the disclosed subject matter described herein consist of or consist essentially of the enumerated components. In addition, some embodiments of the methods described herein consist of or consist essentially of the enumerated steps. The claims to be appended later intend to cover all such variations and modifications as falling within the scope of the disclosed subject matter. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A golf aid comprising, in combination; a series of alignment rods and a number of blocks with machined holes to allow rods and golf tee's to pass through to allow the rods and blocks to be assembled into different configurations to assist the golfer in developing a proper golf swing.
 2. The golf aid of claim 1, said further comprising; when two of the said alignment rods are assembled with one 90 degree block, the 90 degree block could be placed in the center of the shot path rod, connected to one rod placed in the center of the golfer's legs, this will give the golfer a proper target line and a center ball placement. (FIG. 9A)
 3. The golf aid of claim 2, said further comprising; when four said alignment rods are assembled with two 90 degree blocks, one angle block, one rod placed on the shot path, one rod at the center of the golfers stance, one rod placed to the right of the golfers foot and one rod placed vertical to the rod at the right of the golfers foot, using the one angle block, this will assist the golfer in detecting hip sway during the golf swing. (FIG. 9B)
 4. The golf aid of claim 3, said further comprising; when six of the said alignment rods are assembled with three 90 degree blocks and two angle blocks, one rod on shot path, one rod at center of stance, one rod at the left and one rod at the right of the golfers feet, two rods installed vertically in the angle blocks at 50,60,70,or 90 degrees, by using the machined holes in the angle blocks, this set-up is used to check shot path, ball position, backswing and follow through in the golf swing.(FIG. 9C)
 5. The golf aid of claim 4, said further comprising; when the rods and blocks are assembled as described in line 4, and two rods, two 90 degree blocks are added, one horizontally and one vertically on the opposite side of the shot path rod away from the golfer, as shown in FIG. 9E, the set-up will check shot path, ball position, back swing, follow through and inside to outside swing path.
 6. The golf aid of claim 5, said further comprising; the two rods and two 90 degree blocks which were added in claim 5 are now set-up on the same side of the shot path as the golfer, so that the vertical rod will detect an outside to inside path in the golf swing. (FIG. 9F) 